"We can do much more at home in our constituencies," he told the Independent. Williams had to cancel a holiday in Wales to attend parliament.

A spokesman for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, parliament's expenses' body, said costs of a standard-class ticket for travel to and from parliament would be reimbursed. Other additional expenses may also be applied for and paid out on a case-by-case basis.

"If they were away on holiday we will reimburse their return flights," he said. "If there are circumstances where an MP needs a hotel then normal rules will apply."

Since 1948, the House of Commons has been recalled 24 times – for example during the Suez crisis, the Falklands invasion and the September 11 attacks. The Speaker makes the decision on the basis of representations made by ministers.